IP office launches Australian Design Search tool

IP Australia has launched a new tool for image searching on the Australian designs database.

According to a statement, the publicly-available tool, named Australian Design Search, is one of the first of its kind worldwide, and follows the launch of the Australian Trade Mark Search in 2017.

Users of the database can now “flexibly search the large Australian designs database with features such as the ability to search using images, numbers or keywords” and “customisable reporting and exporting allowing users to easily track and share their results.”

Michael Schwager, Director General of IP Australia, said, “The new single search bar will help IP attorneys, designers and small to medium businesses search for Australian designs much more effectively and efficiently.” 

According to the Cultural and creative activity in Australia 2008-09 to 2016-17 report, designs are worth $40 billion annually to the national economy.

Picture: iStock